Hierarchical optimization planning (HOP) of cellular mobile communication systems

This paper deals with optimal planning and design for cellular mobile communication systems. The key element to be considered for the planning is cost. A hierarchical planning method is utilized since there exist so many factors, e.g. system performances, terrain features, base station parameters, and cost factors, involved in the large scale system design. In this paper, we present a three-level optimization approach for designing a cellular mobile system. It determines cell number, cell site allocation and specific base station parameters in order to minimize the total system cost and comply with system required performances. The problem is formulated as a large combinatorial optimization model which can be solved to select best base stations' locations. The simulated annealing approach is developed to solve the problem. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this HOP approach.